# Signs Your Garage Door Springs Need Replacement: A Homeowner’s Guide in San Antonio
Your garage door is the largest moving object in your home, and its springs are the powerhouse that makes lifting a 300-pound door feel effortless. But like any hardworking component, garage door springs wear out over time. When they fail, it can be both inconvenient and dangerous. For homeowners in **San Antonio**, understanding the warning signs of a failing spring can prevent a major headache and ensure your family’s safety.
At Texas Pros Garage Doors, we believe in empowering our customers with the knowledge they need. This guide will walk you through the tell-tale signs that your garage door springs are on their last legs and when it’s time to call in a professional for a garage door spring replacement.
## What Do Garage Door Springs Do?
Before we dive into the warning signs, it’s helpful to understand what these springs do. Garage door springs are tightly wound coils of metal that store an immense amount of energy. This energy is used to counterbalance the weight of the door, allowing the garage door opener to lift and lower it with minimal effort. There are two main types of springs:
* **Torsion Springs:** These are mounted horizontally above the garage door opening. They are the most common type for residential garage doors in the **San Antonio** area.
* **Extension Springs:** These are located on either side of the door, running parallel to the tracks.
Both types are under extreme tension and can be very dangerous if they break.
## 6 Warning Signs Your Garage Door Springs Are About to Break
If you notice any of the following signs, it’s a strong indication that your garage door springs need immediate attention. Ignoring these warnings can lead to further damage to your garage door system or even cause a dangerous accident.
### 1. You Hear a Loud Bang
A sudden, loud bang from your garage is one of the most common signs of a broken spring. The noise is often compared to a firecracker or a gunshot. This is the sound of the spring snapping under tension, releasing all its stored energy at once. If you hear this, do not attempt to open your garage door. Instead, call a professional for a torsion spring replacement right away.
### 2. The Garage Door Won’t Open
If your garage door opener is running, but the door isn’t moving, a broken spring is the likely culprit. Without the spring’s lifting power, the opener is not strong enough to lift the heavy door on its own. You might also notice the emergency release cord has been pulled, which can happen when the opener strains against the weight of the door.
### 3. There’s a Visible Gap in the Spring
A visual inspection can often reveal a broken spring. If you have a torsion spring, you will see a 2-3 inch gap in the middle of the coil where it has snapped. For extension springs, you will see one of the springs hanging loose. This is a clear sign that you need a professional garage door repair in San Antonio.
### 4. The Door Falls Too Quickly
When you close your garage door, it should do so smoothly and at a controlled speed. If the door slams shut or falls much faster than usual, the springs are no longer able to support its weight. This is a serious safety hazard, as the door could crush anything in its path.
### 5. The Door is Crooked or Uneven
If one side of your garage door appears to be hanging lower than the other, it could be a sign of a broken extension spring. When one spring breaks, the other is left to support the entire weight of the door, causing it to lift unevenly. This can also put a strain on other components, such as the cables and tracks.
### 6. The Cables are Loose or Broken
The lifting cables work in tandem with the springs to raise and lower the door. If a spring breaks, the cables will lose tension and may appear to be hanging loosely. In some cases, the sudden force of a breaking spring can even cause the cables to snap.
## Why You Shouldn’t Replace Garage Door Springs Yourself
While some home repairs are suitable for a DIY project, garage door spring replacement is not one of them. The springs are under extreme tension, and attempting to remove or install them without the proper tools and training can result in serious injury or even death. It can also cause further damage to your garage door system, leading to more costly repairs down the line.
## When to Call a Professional in San Antonio
If you’ve noticed any of the signs listed above, it’s time to call the experts at **Texas Pros Garage Doors**. Our team of experienced technicians has the skills and equipment to safely and efficiently handle your garage door spring replacement in San Antonio. We also offer a full range of other services, including new garage door installation, opener service, panel replacement, and roller replacement.
Don’t wait for a broken spring to become a major problem. For fast, reliable, and affordable garage door service in the **San Antonio, TX** area, **call us today at (210) 880-2713** or visit our contact page to schedule an appointment.
Serving San Antonio & Surrounding Areas
Texas Pros Garage Doors proudly serves San Antonio and the surrounding communities. Click your area for local service information:
New Braunfels
Schertz
Boerne
Helotes
Cibolo
La Vernia
Selma
Leon Valley
Live Oak
Universal City
Alamo Heights
Seguin
Call us now: (210) 880-2713 for fast, reliable garage door service!
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